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How does it work? of Combined contraceptive pill

The combined pill contains two hormones that the body produces naturally (oestrogen and progestogen).  These prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary each month).

The mucus in the neck of the womb (cervix) becomes thicker, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.  The lining of the womb also becomes thinner meaning that there is less chance of a fertilised egg being accepted.